Managing Director, Brand Strategy & Communications

SAN FRANCISCO BALLET ASSOCIATION•San Francisco, CA

1d•$175,000 - $205,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Managing Director of Brand Strategy & Communications leads SF Ballet's brand identity, communications, media relations, digital content strategy, and creative production. Reporting to the Chief Revenue & Growth Officer (CRGO), this role is the organization's lead brand and communications authority — building and sustaining the institutional reputation, visibility, and narrative that underpin all channels. It provides the storytelling and positioning infrastructure that supports both earned and contributed income strategies and growth, working in close partnership with marketing colleagues to ensure that content serves both reputational goals and sales effectiveness, and with the philanthropy team to ensure that brand and communications work actively to support fundraising strategy.

Requirements

12+ years of progressive experience in communications, public relations, or brand management; performing arts or cultural organization experience strongly preferred
7+ years leading communications or brand teams with demonstrated success building institutional brand presence and securing significant media coverage
Proven ability to align brand and content strategy with revenue goals in close partnership with earned revenue and philanthropy functions
Experience developing brand and media partnerships; familiarity with the intersection of PR and marketing in a cultural organization context
Experience managing agency relationships and creative vendor partnerships
Strong digital fluency across content platforms, social media, website strategy, and editorial content development
Familiarity with CRM systems (Tessitura preferred) and how communications integrates with revenue strategy
Knowledge of the San Francisco Bay Area cultural landscape preferred
Bachelor's degree required
Regular evening and weekend attendance at performances and events
Ability to work extended hours during peak campaign and production periods
Occasional travel for media, agency, and industry engagements
Occasional unassisted lifting to 40 lbs.

Nice To Haves

advanced degree in Communications, Journalism, or related field preferred

Responsibilities

Lead and steward SF Ballet's institutional brand — identity, voice, messaging architecture, and standards — ensuring consistency across all touchpoints and constituencies.
Lead competitive positioning and differentiation strategy, including brand health monitoring and ongoing market analysis.
Build the institutional narrative that connects SF Ballet's artistic vision to its audiences, donors, and community, including the Comprehensive Enterprise Strategy (CES) messaging framework.
Develop and manage brand partnerships that extend SF Ballet's reach and visibility, in collaboration with the Director of Strategic Partnerships as appropriate.
Lead a proactive, multi-platform media strategy that builds SF Ballet's national and international profile and advances the Artistic Director's visibility.
Personally manage key editorial relationships and high-stakes media situations; serve as primary liaison to SF Ballet's external communications agency, overseeing agency scope, direction, and deliverables.
Develop and manage media partnerships that serve both earned revenue and brand goals, working in close coordination with the Senior Director of Audience Development & Earned Revenue.
Lead crisis communications planning and response; develop thought leadership strategies in partnership with the Executive Director and Artistic Director.
Lead organization-wide communications strategy — including executive messaging, Board communications, stakeholder communications, and internal communications — ensuring consistency and alignment with institutional priorities.
Develop and maintain the messaging frameworks and editorial content that serve as the foundation for communications across all teams and channels.
Oversee the editorial and creative production of the program book, annual report, newsletters, and other institutional publications.
Oversee the development of campaign communications, fundraising materials, and event promotion content in support of the philanthropy team's goals.
Set SF Ballet's digital strategy across social media, website, and content platforms, with clear performance targets and accountability for results.
Oversee the website — including content strategy, user experience, and editorial standards — in partnership with marketing on season promotion and ticket buyer engagement.
Direct content creation and storytelling that deepens audience connection, advances institutional priorities, and provides the narrative foundation for revenue-driving campaigns across all channels.
Oversee creative production — photography, video, graphic design, and print — setting quality standards and ensuring brand integrity across all output.
Manage creative vendor relationships and ensure brand assets are current, accessible, and fit for both institutional and sales-facing use across the organization.
Communications support for Education and community programs
Co-liaise with CRGO to plan and present at Board Marketing Committee meetings
Employee communications in coordination with Human Resources
Departmental budget management; regular reporting on brand and communications performance to the CRGO
Leads directors and managers across PR, Digital Strategy & Social Media, Creative Services, and Communications.
Responsible for hiring, performance management, and professional development.
Builds a team with shared standards for creative excellence, editorial rigor, and brand consistency.